Fare Thee Well Lovely Mary

Fare thee well, lovely Mary for it's now I must leave you,
To the distant West Indies my long course to steer.
I know very well that my long absence will grieve you.
But I will be back in the course of the year.

Oh, don't talk of leaving me dearest jewel,
Oh, don't talk of leaving me here on the shore,
For it is your sweet company that I do desire love,
I'll sigh, I will die if I ne'er see you more.

Don't let my long absence bring any worry unto you,
Or any strange notions come into your mind,
For though we are parted, we'll still be true-hearted
And we will be married, when I do return.

I'll dress as a sailor, she said, and go with you,
In the midst of all dangers by your side I will stand.
And when that the cold stormy winds are a-blowing,
Darling I'll be with you to wait on you then.

Your tiny little fingers, could not hold this strong cable,
And your small little feet to the top-mast could not go.
Your frail, slender body this rough life cannot endure, love.
Stay at home lovely Mary, to the seas do not go.